What is Garcinia kola used for?

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Garcina kola, commonly known as bitter kola, is used as an appetite suppressant, to treat arthritis, erectile dysfunction and glaucoma, to detoxify the body, and to reduce inflammation, according to Supplement Police. Some West Africans use the plant to treat malaria and opportunistic infections associated with HIV, Naij states.

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Bitter kola is a West African plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, notes Supplement Police. Researchers have found that individuals who consumed the fruit, seeds and nuts of the plants consumed less food and drank more water, making bitter kola an effective weight loss tool.

Researchers have also found that bitter kola's anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate arthritis symptoms, such as fluid build-up and joint inflammation, explains Supplement Police. These properties are also beneficial in improving lung function by dilating the alveolar ducts and sacs, which improves the strength of the lung tissue. In 2008, researchers discovered that bitter kola improved individuals' lung function after four weeks of use. Similarly, in 2010, researchers found that bitter kola reduces eye pressure and eases the symptoms of glaucoma when used twice a day.

Bitter kola's antioxidants help to strengthen the immune system and are an effective treatment for colds and other infections, advises Supplement Police. These antioxidants, along with its anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial in treating hangover symptoms, detoxifying the body and increasing libido.